You Didn’t Get the Job. Readers Wonder, Why Not?

Today we wrote about one of the worst Catch-22s of the job-search process: rejected candidates often want feedback on why they didn’t get the job, but employers are gun-shy about offering any, mainly for fear of discrimination lawsuits.

Sound familiar?

WSJ’s Facebook followers thought so.

We asked them to share their experiences asking for, receiving or giving constructive criticism related to the job search, and we received hundreds of comments in return.

Not surprisingly, many expressed frustration over the silence that greets their inquiries. They want to improve their prospects, and need some guidance from the people who are making hiring decisions. Others felt confusion, resentment, and anger, while a handful felt that requesting feedback was simply impolite.

Many expressed concerns that discrimination was really at the heart of hiring decisions, and believed that’s why HR managers weren’t willing to offer feedback.

But occasionally, job-seekers did receive feedback – and usually with very positive results. One person hit the jackpot – she asked an HR manager for tips and got an hour of career coaching; the manager ultimately hired her.